House Bill 214, a proposal to establish a voluntary credentialing process for doulas so they can bill Medicaid, passed the Senate on a voice vote.

Proponents said the measure is the product of four years of work by a coalition that included doulas, midwives, health-care providers and reproductive-justice groups. Senator Bergman, speaking for the bill on the Senate floor, said the intent is to expand access to doula care, strengthen the doula workforce and improve maternal and infant health.

Senator Tobias offered personal support during floor debate, describing how doulas and midwives assisted her deliveries and saying doulas helped her through what can be a “frightening” and sometimes “dangerous” experience.

The bill requires the Department of Health to establish a voluntary credentialing process for doulas that will enable Medicaid billing. Senator Bergman told colleagues the measure was drafted with state officials and a broad set of stakeholders and then stood for questions; no amendments were offered on the floor.

Senators voted by a voice vote and the chair announced the bill “do now pass.” No formal roll-call tally was recorded on the floor transcript.

Supporters said the bill will increase access to trained support during childbirth and help integrate doulas into health systems. The measure now moves on to enrollment and, depending on subsequent steps, implementation by the Department of Health.

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